Harry Hole

For the New Zealand cricketer, see Harry Hole (cricketer).
Harry Hole
Michael Fassbender portraying Harry Hole
First appearanceThe Bat (1997)
Created byJo Nesbø
Portrayed byMichael Fassbender (film)
Tobias Santelmann (television)
In-universe information
GenderMale
OccupationPolice detective
AffiliationOslo Police Department
FamilySøs Hole (sister)
Olav Hole (father)
Rakel Fauke (wife)
Oleg Fauke (adopted son)
NationalityNorwegian

Harry Hole (the surname pronounced as "HOO-leh"), who is also called "Harry Holy" by allies in the Australian police force,[1] is the main character in a series of crime novels written by Norwegian author Jo Nesbø.[2] The name is derived from Old Norse Hólar, the plural form of hóll, meaning "round and isolated hill." Harry's surname is also the name of a historic Norwegian town (Hole, Norway) with a heritage that goes back to the Viking Age.

In his stories, Hole is a brilliant, introverted, and obsessively driven detective. He has few friends and often clashes with colleagues, but his work and skill are so widely known and respected that he is considered a specialist, leading him to sometimes consult on cases in other cities and countries.[1][3] Throughout the novels, he sometimes uses unorthodox and illegal methods in his investigations. A common focus of the novel series is Hole's struggles with alcoholism and depression, as well as how his mental health suffers as a result of his morally questionable actions and the brutal nature of the crimes he investigates. The novel series eventually shows Hole recognizing the harmful nature of his work and increasingly problematic behavior, prompting him to leave the police force.[4] Despite this, later novels show Hole continually finding reason to return to Oslo and assist new criminal investigations, despite his own initial reluctance and the protests of his loved ones.[5][6]

Critics liken the personality of Harry Hole to those of the famous literary detectives such as Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Jules Maigret, and Nero Wolfe.[7] According to Jo Nesbø himself, the character is inspired by and a tribute to Michael Connelly's character Harry Bosch. The novels are frequent bestsellers.[8][9]

  1. ^ a b The Bat by James Nesbø, first novel of the Harry Hole series. Originally released under the title Flaggermusmannen by publisher Aschehoug (1997). Later translated to English for US and UK markets under the title The Bat (2012).
  2. ^ "A GUIDE TO HARRY HOLE". crimefictionlover.com. March 9, 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  3. ^ Kakerlakkene by James Nesbø, the second novel of the Harry Hole series (1998). Translated to English for US and UK markets as Cockroaches (2013),
  4. ^ Snømannen by James Nesbø (2007). Translated as The Snowman by Don Bartlett (2010).
  5. ^ Panserhjerte by James Nesbø (2009). Translated to English for US and UK markets as The Leopard (2011).
  6. ^ Birnbaum, Robert (February 17, 2012). "Crime Pays: Jo Nesbø Talks about Killing Harry Hole and the Best Job in the World". The Millions. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  7. ^ Лаптева, Елена (30 March 2013). "Ю.Несбе: "В каждом из нас есть немного зла"". Комсомольская правда (in Russian). kp.ru. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  8. ^ "Norway Crime Author Jo Nesbo Earns $51 Million Book Royalties in 2019". forbes. 19 August 2020. Retrieved 5 January 2020."
  9. ^ "Nesbo's Popularity Still Riding High". newsinenglish. Retrieved 5 January 2020.